PWN Netherlands Board

Ana Herrero - Wallace

President

Describe yourself in three words: Influencer, Connecting, Communicator

Role at PWN Netherlands: As a president, I lead, inspire, and ensure the organization achieves its mission. I set the vision, make decisions, and represent the organization while securing resources. My experience leading a team at Workday has equipped me with the skills and insights to excel in this role. 

Personal interests or hobbies : I enjoy exploring cultures, staying active through exercise, and finding inner peace through meditation.

Philosophy: Empowering women to achieve financial independence is my passion. I believe everyone can attain financial freedom, and I'm dedicated to fostering confidence in this crucial aspect of life.

Dick Rüger

Vice President

Describe yourself in three words: Engaged, disarming, grounded

Role at PWN Netherlands: As vice-president, I support the president and other board members when and where needed and fill-in for the president when she is absence. In addition, I act as challenger in the Board and share my (historic) knowledge about PWN NL. As other board members, I represent PWN NL in the outside world. 

Personal interests or hobbies: : I enjoy marathon+ running, travelling (although my carbon footprint creates some guilty feeling) and listening live to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Philosophy: The world needs more feminine energy and action. Women and men joining forces is an important step to get there. This is why I am an active promotor of PWN NL.

Ilze Spigule - Buijtenweg

VP of Events

Describe yourself in three words: Energetic, Curious, Passionate

Role at PWN Netherlands: As VP of events I am responsible for organising both in-person and online events designed to foster meaningful connections and provide insights on current issues, all aimed at empowering women to thrive personally and professionally. I have  experience in event organisation since I was 10, which has helped me contribute to the success of PWN initiatives.

Personal interests or hobbies : I love singing jazz and choir music, ballroom dancing with my hubby, as well as hiking and canoeing.

Philosophy:  I am a serial expat, speaking 7 languages, with a deep curiosity about what drives human behaviour and connections.

Marianna Buryakova

VP of Finance

Describe yourself in three words: Solar, social,  thoughtful.

Role at PWN Netherlands: My expertise in finance ensures that we look after our funds while striving to organize great events for our members. It’s important that we get the best value for money and have the financial resources to grow.

Personal interests or hobbies: I’m a big fan of reformer Pilates, and I love traveling—it's something I do all the time. I enjoy spending time in beautiful venues, surrounded by beauty. I also like reading, meditating, exploring perfumery, and, most importantly, spending time with the people I love.

Philosophy: I believe in the magic of networking and the value that connections bring. The world is becoming increasingly digital, and I love that, but I also have a deep appreciation for the offline world—there's nothing quite like it!

Maria Nikolaidou

VP of Marketing & membership experience

Describe yourself in three words: Caring, Open-minded, Adventurous

Role at PWN Netherlands: I lead the development and execution of marketing strategies and manage a team of volunteers to enhance PWN’s visibility. With over 10 years of experience in marketing, I bring a broad skill set aimed at driving meaningful results for PWN.

Personal interests or hobbies: I love traveling the world and am currently taking classes in modern dance, theater, and Spanish. I also enjoy running, yoga, pilates, surfing, and hiking.

Philosophy: I envision a world where humans and animals coexist harmoniously, with deep respect for Mother Earth. I am committed to being part of this change, believing that empowering and inspiring women is one of the first steps.

Els Bosma

VP of Mentoring Program


Describe yourself in three words: Empowering, Enthusiastic and Empathic

Role at PWN Netherlands: I live and breathe PWN's mission—mentoring women through career challenges and helping them grow into confident leaders, advancing gender-balanced leadership.

Personal interests or hobbies: Anything related to water: swimming, sailing, scuba-diving

Philosophy: I’m the Negotiation Queen: if you are ready for your next salary, but don’t know how to ask? Ask me to show you how! -it’s easy, once you know.

Nadam Schmidt

VP of Corporate Relations


Describe yourself in three words: Dynamic, open minded & mindful

Role at PWN Netherlands: My role is to mine and nurture partnerships opportunities for PWN Netherlands that fuel our continuity. I always looking for a stromg win-win for you and our members. We share stages, venues and mix our support base to celebrate our mission. Drop me a message to check your options!

Personal interests or hobbies: Mindfulness, yoga, icebaths & personal finance & investments

Philosophy: Stay connected! In contact, we generate the most joyful experiences where we feel engaged and commit to wanting more.

Our volunteers

Our dedicated team of volunteers plays a vital role in supporting the PWN Board, helping to drive initiatives that foster growth and inclusivity within our network. Their expertise and commitment ensure the smooth execution of our programmes and the success of our community goals.

Volunteer in Events

Sofia Vettori
Isaline Durant 


Volunteer in Marketing

Luiza Borges
Dilya Rakhimbekova


Volunteer in Mentoring Program

Alison Mitchell


Volunteer in Corporate Relationships

Małgorzata Jabłońska